Printer and System for Detecting Void RFID Transponders Supported in a Printing Media and Communicating the Same

ABSTRACT

A printer controller system for controlling printing on media (e.g., a strip of labels) supporting a series of RFID transponders and for communicating detection of void RFID transponders to downstream devices. The printer controller system includes a void detection system for detecting void RFID transponders, a printing system for controlling printing to the media and a void communication system for communicating detection of the void RFID transponder to downstream devices. This allows the downstream device, such as a label peeler, to anticipate the void RFID transponder and deal with it accordingly. The printer controller may include a media advancement system that is configured to continue advancing the media and RFID transponders past the print head even when the RFID transponder is detected and avoid slowing the printing process. The printer controller system may be configured to submit void indicia to a print head and re-communicate a formatted image when a RFID transponder has been voided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims priority to provisional U.S. PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/672,627 filed on Apr. 19, 2005 entitled “PRINTERAND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING VOID RFID TRANSPONDERS SUPPORTED IN A PRINTINGMEDIA AND COMMUNICATING THE SAME” which is hereby incorporated herein,in its entirety, by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is related to the printing and encoding of labels(or other media) with embedded radio frequency identification (RFID)tags, and more particularly, to printers that ensure the RFID tags areappropriately encoded during label printing.

2. Description of Related Art

UHF radio frequency identification (RFID) technology allows wirelessdata acquisition and or transmission from and or to active (batterypowered) or passive RFID transponders using a backscatter technique. Tocommunicate with, i.e., “read” from and or “write” commands and/or datato an RFID transponder, the RFID transponder is exposed to an RFelectromagnetic field by the transceiver that couples with and energizes(if passive) the RFID transponder through electro-magnetic induction andtransfers commands and data using a predefined “air interface” RFsignaling protocol.

When multiple passive RFID transponders are within the range of the sameRF transceiver electro-magnetic field they will each be energized andattempt to communicate with the transceiver, potentially causing errorsin “reading” and or “writing” to a specific RFID transponder in thereader field. Anti-collision management techniques exist to allow nearsimultaneous reading and writing to numerous closely grouped RFIDtransponders in a common RF electromagnetic field. However,anti-collision management increases system complexity, cost and delayresponse. Furthermore, anti-collision management is “blind” in that itcannot recognize where a specific RFID transponder being processed isphysically located in the RF electro-magnetic field, for example, whichRFID transponder is located proximate the print head of aprinter-encoder.

One way to prevent errors during reading and writing to RFIDtransponders without using anti-collision management is to isolate aspecific RFID transponder of interest from nearby RFID transponders.Previously, isolation of RFID transponders has used RF-shielded housingsand/or anechoic chambers through which the RFID transponders areindividually passed for personalized exposure to the interrogating RFfield. This requires that the individual RFID transponders havecumbersome shielding or a significant spatial separation.

RFID printers-encoders have been developed which are capable ofon-demand printing on labels, tickets, tags, cards or other media withwhich an RFID transponder is attached or embedded. Theseprinter-encoders have a transceiver for on-demand communication with theRFID transponder on the individual media to read and/or store data intothe attached RFID transponder. For the reasons given, it is highlydesirable in many applications to present the media on rolls or otherformat in which the RFID transponders are closely spaced. However, closespacing of the RFID transponders exacerbates the task of seriallycommunicating with each individual RFID transponder without concurrentlycommunicating with neighboring RFID transponders on the media. Thisselective communication exclusively with an individual RFID transponderis further exacerbated in printers-encoders designed to print on themedia in or near the same space as the RFID transponder is positionedwhen being interrogated.

UHF RFID transponders may operate in, for example, the 902-928 MHz bandin the United States and other ISM bands designated in different partsof the world. For example, in FIG. 1 a conventional one-half wavelength“Forward Wave” microstrip prior art coupler 3 consisting of, forexample, a rectangular conductive strip 5 upon a printed circuit board 7having a separate ground plane 9 layer configured for these frequencies.One end of the conductive strip 5 is connected to transceiver 42 and theother end is connected through terminating resistor 8 to ground plane 9.The conductive strip 5 as shown in FIG. 1 has a significant width due toRF design requirements imposed by the need to create acceptablefrequency response characteristics. This type of prior art coupler 3 hasbeen used with UHF RFID transponders that are relatively large comparedto the extent of prior art coupler 3.

As shown by FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, recently developed RFID transponders 1,designed for operation at UHF frequencies, have one dimension sosignificantly reduced, here for example a few millimeters wide, thatthey will be activated upon passage proximate the larger prior artcoupler 3 by electro-magnetic power leakage 10 concentrated at eitherside edge of the conductive strip 5 of prior art coupler 3. In FIG. 2A,the two leakage regions “A” and “B” defined by electro-magnetic powerleakage 10 are small and relatively far apart, increasing system logicaloverhead and media conveyance positioning accuracy requirements. If theRFID transponders 1 were placed close together, then multiple RFIDtransponders 1 might be activated by the physically extensive one-halfwavelength “Forward Wave” microstrip prior art coupler 3.

Competition in the market for such “integrated” printer-encoder systemsas well as other RFID interrogation systems has focused attention on theability to interrogate with high spatial selectivity any RFIDtransponder from a wide range of available RFID transponders havingdifferent sizes, shapes and coupling characteristics as well asminimization of overall system, media size, and RFID transponder costs.In addition, this high spatial selectivity and wide range of availableRFID transponders must be balanced with the need for the integratedprinter-encoder system to be able to read and encode RFID transpondersof varying configurations at different locations on the media.

The need to read and encode RFID transponders embedded in printer mediawith high selectivity is addressed by commonly-owned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/981,967 entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FORDETECTING TRANSPONDERS USED WITH PRINTER MEDIA” filed on Nov. 5, 2004which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Inthis application, a calibration apparatus employs a transceiver thatvaries its power and a controller that varies the position of the mediaand RFID transponders to determine the location of the RFIDtransponders. These locations are then used to instruct communicationwith the RFID transponders and avoid communicating with closely spacedadjacent RFID transponders.

Despite improvements in the ability of integrated printer-encodersystems to selectively read, encode and otherwise communicate withdifferently located RFID transponders, the possibility remains thatcommunication will not be established with each RFID transponder. Forexample, occasional RFID transponders may have defects and therefore beincapable of being written to, or read from, or may result in corruptionof the written or read information. In addition, the defective RFIDtransponders typically interrupt the smooth flow of printing andencoding the labels.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a printer-encoder systemthat is capable of reading and encoding a large number of types of RFIDtransponders, including closely spaced RFID transponders, and printingon media supporting the RFID transponders, while still ensuring thatimproperly encoded or defective RFID transponders are discarded orremain unused. In addition, it would be advantageous to have aprinter-encoder system equipped to respond to improperly encoded ordefective RFID transponders with minimal interruption of printing andencoding operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn toscale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a microstrip forward wave coupler of the priorart;

FIG. 2 a is a simplified cut-away side view of an RFIDtransponder-coupler structure using a prior art forward wave coupler asshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 b is a partial cut-away top schematic view of the prior artforward wave coupler and carrier substrate with embedded RFIDtransponders of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3 is a schematic of a printer of one embodiment of the presentinvention configured for detecting voided RFID transponders andcommunicating said detection;

FIG. 4 is a partial cut-away top schematic view of a coupler and carriersubstrate with embedded RFID transponders of the printer of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a controller circuit board of the printer ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a table of pin configurations of a connector of the controllercircuit board of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of operation of a controller of the printer ofFIG. 3; and

FIGS. 8-15 are output diagrams of selected pins of the connector of thecontroller circuit board of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the above needs, and achieves otheradvantages, by providing a printer controller system for controllingprinting on media (e.g., a strip of labels) supporting a series of RFIDtransponders and for sending an external signal communicating detectionof void RFID transponders to external downstream devices. Generally, theprinter controller system includes a void detection system for detectingvoid RFID transponders supported by the media, a printing system forcontrolling printing to the media and a void communication system forcommunicating detection of the void RFID transponder to the externaldownstream devices. The use of an external signal advantageously allowsuse with a range of different downstream devices without modification ofthe printer or printer controller system. This allows the downstreamdevice, such as a label peeler, to anticipate the void RFID transponderand deal with it accordingly with a minimal amount of interruption ofthe printing and encoding stages. Also, the printer controller mayinclude a media advancement system that is configured to continueadvancing the media and RFID transponders past the print head even whenthe RFID transponder is detected and avoid slowing the printing process.Also, the printer controller system may be configured to submit voidindicia to the print head for printing on the voided indicia andre-communicate a formatted image when an RFID transponder has beenvoided.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a printer controllersystem for controlling printing on media supporting a series of RFIDtransponders and communicating detection of void RFID transponders toone or more downstream devices. Included in the printer controller is avoid detection system configured to communicate with a transceiver fordetecting a void one of the RFID transponders supported by the media. Aprinting system is configured to process and communicate a formattedimage (e.g., a label image) to a print head for printing on the media inproximity to one of the RFID transponders supported by the media. A voidcommunication system is configured to communicate at least one signalindicating detection of the void RFID transponder to the downstreamdevice.

In another aspect, the printer controller may also include a mediaadvancement controller configured to continuously advance the media andRFID transponders even when the void RFID transponder is detected. Forexample, the media advancement controller may be configured to advanceto a next RFID transponder supported on the media and the printingsystem may be further configured to re-communicate the formatted imageto the print head in response to detection of the void RFID transponder.

An end print detection system may be included that is configured todetermine and communicate when printing of the formatted image on themedia is completed. In response to non-detection of the void RFIDtransponder and completed printing of the formatted image, the printingsystem may be configured to communicate a next formatted image.

In another aspect, the printing system may be further configured toprocess and communicate void indicia to the print head in response todetection of the void RFID transponder.

In another embodiment, the above-listed controller and its aspects maybe incorporated into a printer that includes the print head configuredto print on the media, the transceiver configured to communicate withthe RFID transponders on the media and a media supply system configuredto advance the media past the print head and the transceiver in responseto commands from the printer controller.

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

The present invention includes an apparatus and method for detecting andvoiding, or avoiding, improperly encoded or otherwise defective RFIDtransponders embedded in label or other printer media. Generally, thepresent invention includes a control system for a printer that isconfigured to detect a defective RFID transponder and instructdownstream components or devices, such as a label applicator, to avoidor void the media containing the defective RFID transponder.Advantageously, the control system is configured to instruct thedownstream components or devices by sending an external signal thatcommunicates the void status of a label, such as through one or morepins of a plug connection. The term downstream is used herein in atime-relative sense and not necessarily in a spatial sense, e.g.,communication of a detected void label could be sent to an upstreamdevice such as a media supply mechanism for instructing its operation.

The invention is useful in the reading and or data loading of RFIDtransponders, such as UHF RFID transponders, for example on an assemblyline, in distribution centers or warehouses where on-demand RFIDlabeling is required, and in a variety of other applications. In manyapplications an RFID transponder or a number of RFID transponders aremounted or embedded on or in a label, ticket, tag, card or other mediacarried on a liner or carrier. It is often desirable to be able to printon the media before, after, or during communication with an RFIDtransponder. Although this invention is disclosed here in a specificembodiment for use with a direct thermal or thermal transfer printer, itmay also be used with any type of RFID interrogation device or othertypes of printers using other printing technologies, including inkjet,dot-matrix, and electro-photographic methods.

Frequencies of operation for the RF tag protocols herein include thosein the 13.56 MHz (HF) space as well as UHF, but the present invention asdescribed herein is not meant to be limited to any particularcommunication protocol. In some applications, a print station may be ata distance from the RFID transceiver. In others, it may be necessary toaccomplish the print function in the same target space occupied by theRFID transponder when it is being interrogated.

For example, an implementation of the invention in a thermal transfermedia printer 16 in which both printing and RFID transpondercommunication are accomplished, but at different locations in the mediaprinter 16, is shown in FIG. 3. The media printer 16 includes aprinthead sub-assembly comprising a conventional thermal printhead 18and platen roller 19, such as a direct thermal printer for printing onthermally-sensitive media.

A web 24 of media 11, such as labels, tickets, tags or cards, isdirected along a feed path 26 under the printhead 18 where on-demandprinting of text, bar codes and/or graphics takes place under control ofa computer or microprocessor 21 in a controller system 60. Thecontroller system 60 can be a printer controller that controls otherfunctions of the printer 16, such as the operation of the print head 18,delivery of the web 24 of media 11, and the like. The controller system60 can operate according to predetermined instructions, such as asoftware program that is stored in a memory 62.

The media printer 16 also includes a transceiver 42 for generating RFcommunication signals that are fed to a frequency and (preferably)spatially selective microstrip near field coupler 30 located proximatethe media feed path 26. Notably, the term “coupler” is used hereininterchangeably with the term “antenna” and neither term should beconstrued as excluding the other.

As labels or other media 11 with embedded RFID transponders 1 (as shownin FIG. 4) move along the media feed path 26 under the control of themicroprocessor 12 of the controller system 60 and through the RFIDtransponder operating region, data may be read from and or written toeach RFID transponder 1 by the coupler 30 and transceiver 42.Information indicia then may be printed upon an external surface of themedia 11 as the media passes between the platen roller 19 and theprinthead 18 by selective excitation of the heating elements in theprinthead 18. When the media printer 16 is configured as a directthermal printer, the heating elements form image dots by thermochromiccolor change in the heat sensitive media.

When the media printer 16 is configured for use as a thermal transferprinter, a ribbon supply roll 28 delivers a thermal transfer ribbon (notshown for clarity) between printhead 14 and the media on web 24. The inkdots are formed by melting ink from the thermal transfer ribbon (notshown for clarity) delivered between printhead 18 and the media on web24 from ribbon supply roll 28. Patterns of printed dots thus form thedesired information indicia on the media 11, such as text, bar codes orgraphics. After use, the spent ribbon is collected on a take-up reel 22.After being printed, the media 11 follows a media exit path 34 and maybe peeled off the underlying carrier substrate 13 at a downstreampeeling station 32 (as shown in the illustrated embodiment) or may beprocessed by some additional or further downstream device, such as anapplicator that can apply the peeled label to a target and divert voidedlabels to a different target

For example, the downstream device may be a cutter for cutting ortrimming the media 11, or a laminator for laminating the media. Also, inthe illustrated embodiment, the peeling station 32 is shown as aseparate modular device attached to the media printer 16. However, thedownstream device could be fully or partially integrally constructedwith the media printer 16, and even can share components with the mediaprinter. Regardless of the configuration of the peeling station 32 orother downstream devices, these downstream devices are connected in atleast partial communication with the controller system 60 of the presentinvention which is discussed in more detail below.

Media conveyance is well known in the art. Therefore the mediaconveyance 25 portion of the printer that drives the media with RFIDtransponders along the media feed path 26 is not described in detail.

The controller system 60 of an embodiment of the present inventionincludes an applicator interface board 70, as shown in FIG. 5. Theapplicator interface board includes a first fuse 71, a second fuse 72, afirst jumper 73 and a second jumper 74, and one or more connectors. Inthe illustrated embodiment, one of a pair of connectors is a fifteen(DB-15) pin connector 75 configured to have the functions shown in thetable of FIG. 6.

Although the illustrated embodiment of the present invention shows asingle board, the operations of the board can be distributed over arange of hardware, software and firmware. In addition, the termcontroller as use herein covers various types of devices for performingthe disclosed functions. For example, the controller may be in the formof a general processor operating in conjunction with software. Further,the controller may be an applications specific integrated circuit (ASIC)that is designed to perform the functions in analog.

As a further note, the signal polarity and duration, start and stoppoints described below, although preferred, are only one embodiment ofthe present invention. Other variants exist that can accomplish similarcommunication as long as some external signal is provided to communicatea voided label to downstream devices.

Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, with the first jumper 73 (alsoreferenced as J4) in the IN position, a +5 V I/O is connected to theapplicator interface board 70 +5 V supply. With the first jumper 73 inthe OUT position, the +5 V I/O is disconnected from the applicatorinterface board 70 +5 V supply. The +5 V for the applicator interfaceoptoisolator circuits is provided externally to this pin. In otherwords, an external voltage other than 5V can be supplied to theinterface board with proper external precaution.

With the second jumper 74 (also referenced as J5) in the IN position,the I/O ground is connected to the ground of the applicator interfaceboard 70. With the second jumper 74 in the OUT position, the I/O groundis disconnected from the applicator interface circuit ground. Ground forthe applicator interface optoisolator circuits is provided externally tothis pin.

Pin 1 of the connector 75 is configured to pass an input-output groundsignal. Using the second jumper 74 in a 5 V version, pin 1 can beconfigured as isolated or non-isolated from the ground line of theapplicator interface board 70. In a 24-28 V version, pin 1 can only beconfigured as isolated and no jumpers are involved.

Pin 2 is a positive voltage power signal. In the 5 V version of theapplicator interface board 70, the first jumper 73 can be configured asisolated or non-isolated from the applicator interface board's +5 Vpower supply. In the 24-28 V version, there are no jumpers to configureand only isolated operation of the pin 2 power signal occurs.

Pin 3 is a start print input signal that includes a pulse mode or alevel mode. In the pulse mode, the label or media printing processbegins on the HIGH to LOW transition of the signal when the label ormedia format is ready. In the level mode, LOW is asserted to enable theprint engine to begin printing when the label or media format is ready.As long as LOW is asserted, the controller 60 prints new labels. Whende-asserted, the currently printing label is completed and the printengine (e.g., the print head 14 and associated driving components of thecontroller 60) stops and waits for this input to be reasserted LOW.

Pin 4 is a feed indicator input to the controller 60 wherein a LOW inputtriggers repeated feeding of blank labels or media when the print engineis in the idle state or has been paused. De-assertion of HIGH on pin 4stops feeding of blank labels and registers to the top of the nextlabel. Pin 5 is a pause input to the controller 60 that toggles to apause state. For example, assertion of LOW for 200 milliseconds throughPin 5, or until the “service required” output of pin 10 changes state,toggles into the pause state.

Pin 6 is a reprint input which, if enabled by assertion to LOW, causesthe print engine to reprint the last label. If a reprint feature isdisabled, this input is ignored. Pin 7 is a 28 V power signal that isconnected to a power supply. Pin 8 is a power ground for the 28 V powersupply. Pin 9 communicates a low ribbon output signal. Pin 9 is assertedHIGH if a ribbon low feature is enabled and the amount of ribbonremaining on the supply roll 28 is below a specific threshold level. Ifthe ribbon low feature is disabled, then the output of pin 9 isdisabled.

Pin 10 is the service required output and is asserted LOW under severalconditions that render the media printer 16 inoperable such as a coverbeing open, the thermal printhead 18 being open, the ribbon supply roll28 being empty, the media 11 running out, pausing of the print enginewith pin 4 input, or some type of operational fault occurs. If aresynchronize mode of the applicator is set to an error mode, the pin 10also asserts LOW for a resynchronize error.

Pin 11 is configured to communicate output about actual printingoperation and can have several modes. In a MODE 0, the applicator portis OFF. In MODE 1, the output is asserted LOW only while the printengine is moving the label forward, otherwise the output is de-assertedto HIGH. In MODE 2, the output is asserted HIGH only while the printengine is moving the label forward. Otherwise, pin 11 is de-asserted toLOW. In MODE 3, which is a default mode, pin 11 is asserted LOW for 20milliseconds when an individual label has been completed and positioned.De-assertion to HIGH occurs during continuous printing. In MODE 4, pin11 is asserted HIGH for 20 milliseconds when a label has been completedand positioned and is de-asserted to LOW during continuous printing.

Pin 12 is a media out output that is asserted LOW when there is no mediain the print engine. Pin 13 is a ribbon out output and is asserted LOWwhile there is no ribbon in the print engine. Pin 14 is a data readyoutput and is asserted LOW when sufficient data has been received tobegin printing the next label. It is de-asserted to HIGH when printingstops after a current label (or media portion), due either to a pausecondition or the absence of a label format. Pin 15 is a void output thatis asserted LOW when the RFID transponder 1 over the coupler 30 andtransceiver 42 is voided, and is de-asserted HIGH when the end printsignal is asserted.

Preferably, the controller system 60 of the present invention isconfigured to communicate via the fifteen pin connector 75, or othertypes of connectors (e.g., a DB-9 connector), with a label applicator 32or other downstream device in order to instruct handling of defectiveRFID transponders. In particular, the controller may be configured tocommunicate via selected pins of the connector 75 in a manner thatallows the downstream device to anticipate and handle the defective RFIDtransponders 1, such as by not applying a label with the defective RFIDtransponder. With respect to the embodiments of the present inventiondescribed below, printing on the combined label or media strip with RFIDtransponders 1 is coordinated with voiding or not voiding labels (orother media portions) based on a successful or unsuccessful reading orwriting of the RFID transponders 1 by the coupler 30 and transceiver 42as the media strip is advanced thereby. Notably, the media can bestationary during encoding.

For example, the controller 60 and its applicator interface 70 can beconfigured to implement functions and communicate in a coordinatedmanner via pins 3, 11, 14 and 15 of the connector 75 to instruct thedownstream label applicator 32. For example, the controller 60 andapplicator interface 70 can have a plurality of functions including asend label format function 77, a process label format function 78, apause for start signal function 79, a print label function 80, a voiddetection function 81, a void print function 82 and a next labelfunction, as shown in FIG. 7.

In the send label format function 77, the controller 60 is configured tosend label format data to the processor 62. At the processor, the labelformat is processed using the label format function 78 and prepared in aformat understandable by the printhead 14. The controller 60 isconfigured via the pause for start signal function 79 to wait until theprinter is ready, such as the printhead 14 being ready and the platenroller 19 having moved the web 24 into place, or any other signals fromprinter components required to be ready for actual physical printing.

The void detection function 81 is configured to communicate with thecoupler 30 and the transceiver 42 in order to determine whether there isa failure to read from the RFID transponder 1, a failure to write to theRFID transponder or whether there is a verification failure. In averification failure, the data is written to the RFID transponder by thecoupler 30 and transceiver 42 with apparent success. Then, the data isread and compared to the supposedly written data (e.g., data stored inthe controller memory 62) to ensure that the data was accuratelyrecorded by the RFID transponder 1. If an error, failure or defect ofthe RFID transponder is detected by a failure to read what was supposedto have been written to the RFID transponder, the void detectionfunction 81 is configured to re-attempt a selected number of retries(e.g., 3, 5, 7, etc.).

If the RFID transponder 1 continuously fails, then the RFID transponderis adjudged to be void and the void print function 82 is preferablyexecuted by sending format information to the print head 14 which prints“VOID” or some other indicia indicating a void RFID transponder andlabel. Also, the void print function 82 reinitiates printing of the samelabel format by returning to the pause for start signal function 79 andawaiting the ready condition of the physical printer components whichadvance to a new RFID transponder 1 and label combination. Note that thevoid print function 82 could additionally replace or overlay the currentlabel format with the VOID indicia for printing on the voided label.

If the RFID transponder is not void, the print label function 80 causesthe printhead 14 to begin printing the processed label format andadvance the web 24 accordingly. After printing, the next label function83 is executed and various tasks preparing for a new label format areconducted, such as clearing memory of the current label format andobtaining a new label format, before returning to function 77.

Depending upon the various settings of the pins described above and inthe chart of FIG. 5, the status of the various controller 60 andapplicator interface board 70 functions, including whether the voiddetector 81 has detected a defective RFID transponder, can becommunicated in different ways to the label applicator 32, or otherdownstream device, through the pins 3, 11, 14 and 15.

For example, communication of a non-defective RFID transponder 1 isshown by FIG. 8 and communication of a defective or void RFIDtransponder is shown by FIG. 9, with the pin 11 set to MODE 1. Duringexecution of the send label format function 77 and the process labelformat function 78, pin 14 is set to HIGH indicating that the data isnot ready, pin 3 is set to HIGH indicating the printing should not bestarted, pin 11 is set to HIGH indicating that the label should not beended and pin 15 is set to HIGH (in FIG. 7) indicating that a void RFIDtransponder 1 has not been detected.

Pin 14 is set to low when the label processing function 78 is completed,thereby indicating that the controller 60 is waiting for a start printsignal in function 79. After receipt of the start print signalsatisfying function 79, pin 3 is set to HIGH communicating initiation oflabel printing. While the label is printing, pin 11 is set to LOW, whichin MODE 1 indicates that the print engine is moving the label forward.Notably, in FIG. 9 pin 15 is set to LOW, indicating a void RFIDtransponder detected by the void detection function 81, betweencompletion of the label processing by function 78 and initiation of thestart print signal by function 79. In this manner, the label applicator32, or other downstream device, can prepare itself for a voided label.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate pin 11 of the applicator interface board 70being in MODE 2, wherein the signal is set to HIGH (instead of LOW) onlywhen the print engine is moving the label forward. FIGS. 12 and 13illustrate MODE 3 for pin 11, wherein the output of pin 11 is normallyset to HIGH during continuous printing but has a short LOW assertion for20 milliseconds when a label has been completed and positioned. FIGS. 14and 15 illustrate MODE 4 for pin 11, wherein the output of pin 11 isnormally set to LOW during continuous printing but has a short HIGHassertion (e.g., 20 milliseconds) when a label has been completed andpositioned.

In another aspect, the controller 60 system may be configured to recordin the memory 62 a log of the serial, or other identifying information,about each of the RFID transponders 1, and what was read from and/orwritten to the RFID transponders, or which of the RFID transponders wasdetected to be non-functional. In addition, this log could also includea correlation with the particular label format or other information thatwas printed on each label, or portion of media 11, in the proximity of aparticular one of the RFID transponders 1.

Illustrated in the Figures herein are block diagrams, flowcharts andcontrol flow illustrations of methods and systems according to theinvention. Accordingly, blocks or steps of the block diagram, flowchartor control flow illustrations support combinations of means forperforming the specified functions, combinations of steps for performingthe specified functions and program instruction means for performing thespecified functions. It will also be understood that each block or stepof the block diagram, flowchart or control flow illustration, andcombinations of blocks or steps in the block diagram, flowchart orcontrol flow illustration, can be implemented by special purposehardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions orsteps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions, such as the applicator interface board 70 embodiment ofthe present invention as described above.

The present invention has many advantages. For example, the mediaprinter 16 is capable of not only reading from, and printing on, acombination of RFID transponders 1 and media 11, but also can detecterroneous or defective RFID transponders and notify downstream devicesfor appropriate handling with minimal interference of the printingoperation. In this manner, the media printer 16 can continueuninterrupted printing, including attempting to print an image or formatthat was associated with a previously voided one of the RFIDtransponders. In addition, the controller 60 and applicator interfaceboard 70 of the media printer 16 can be configured to substitute oroverlay the image with void indicia to prevent accidental use of thevoided RFID transponder. Further, when combined with a spatiallyselective coupler 30, quick and efficient printing on closely-spacedRFID transponders 1 supported by individual labels is possible even inthe presence of improperly written to or defective RFID transponders.Also, the interface board 70 of the present invention enablescommunication via a standard port, such as the DB-15, to the downstreamdevices, enabling a “plug-and-play” type operation with differentmodular downstream devices.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

1. A printer controller system for controlling printing on mediasupporting a series of RFID transponders and communicating detection ofvoid RFID transponders to one or more downstream devices, said printercontroller comprising: a void detection system configured to communicatewith a transceiver for detecting a void one of the RFID transponderssupported by the media; a printing system configured to process andcommunicate a formatted image to a print head for printing the formattedimage on the media in proximity to one of the RFID transponderssupported by the media, said printing system including a controllerboard having an external communication pathway; and a void communicationsystem configured to communicate at least one external signal indicatingdetection of the void RFID transponder to the downstream device via theexternal communication pathway.
 2. A printer controller of claim 1,further comprising a media advancement controller configured tocontinuously advance the media and RFID transponders even when the voidRFID transponder is detected.
 3. A printer controller of claim 2,wherein the media advancement controller is further configured toadvance to a next RFID transponder supported on the media and whereinthe printing system is further configured to re-communicate theformatted image to the print head in response to detection of the voidRFID transponder.
 4. A printer controller of claim 3, further comprisingan end print detection system configured to determine and communicatewhen printing of the formatted image on the media is completed andwherein the printing system is configured to communicate a nextformatted image to the print head in response to non-detection of thevoid RFID transponder and completed printing of the formatted image. 5.A printer controller of claim 4, wherein the printing system isconfigured to process and communicate void indicia to the print head inresponse to detection of the void RFID transponder.
 6. A printercontroller of claim 5, wherein the end print detection system is furtherconfigured to determine and communicate when printing of the voidindicia on the media is completed.
 7. A printer controller of claim 6,wherein the void communication system is further configured to maintainthe external void signal through communication of the void indicia tothe print head and determination and communication of when printing ofthe void indicia on the media is completed.
 8. A printer controller ofclaim 1, wherein the external communication pathway includes anunmodified connector originally equipped with the printer system.
 9. Aprinter controller of claim 8, wherein the connector is a multiple pinconnector.
 10. A printer controller of claim 9, wherein the connector isa fifteen pin connector.
 11. A printer for printing on a mediasupporting a series of RFID transponders in coordination with adownstream device, said printer comprising: a print head configured toprint on the media; at least one transceiver configured to communicatewith the RFID transponders on the media; a media supply systemconfigured to advance the media past the print head and the transceiver;and a printer controller system for controlling printing by the printhead and advancement of the media supply system, said printercomprising: a void detection system configured to communicate with thetransceiver for detecting a void one of the RFID transponders supportedby the media; a printing system configured to process and communicate aformatted image to the print head for printing the formatted image onthe media in proximity to one of the RFID transponders supported by themedia; and a void communication system configured to communicate atleast one external signal indicating detection of the void RFIDtransponder to the downstream device said printer controller including acontroller board that communicates via an external communicationpathway.
 12. A printer of claim 11, wherein the printer controllersystem further comprises a media advancement controller configured tocommunicate with the media supply system to continuously advance themedia and RFID transponders even when the void RFID transponder isdetected.
 13. A printer of claim 12, wherein the media advancementcontroller is further configured to advance to a next RFID transpondersupported on the media and wherein the printing system is furtherconfigured to re-communicate the formatted image to the print head inresponse to detection of the void RFID transponder.
 14. A printer ofclaim 13, wherein the printer controller system further comprises an endprint detection system configured to determine and communicate whenprinting of the formatted image on the media is completed and whereinthe printing system is configured to communicate a next formatted imageto the print head in response to non-detection of the void RFIDtransponder and completed printing of the formatted image.
 15. A printerof claim 14, wherein the printing system is configured to process andcommunicate void indicia to the print head in response to detection ofthe void RFID transponder.
 16. A printer of claim 15, wherein the endprint detection system is further configured to determine andcommunicate when printing of the void indicia on the media is completed17. A printer of claim 16, wherein the void communication system isfurther configured to maintain the external void signal throughcommunication of the void indicia to the print head and determinationand communication of when printing of the void indicia on the media iscompleted.
 18. A printer of claim 11, wherein the external communicationpathway includes an unmodified connector originally equipped with theprinter.
 19. A printer of claim 18, wherein the connector is a multiplepin connector.
 20. A printer of claim 19, wherein the connector is afifteen pin connector.
 21. A method of printing on a media supporting aseries of RFID transponders and communicating detection of void RFIDtransponders to one or more downstream devices, said method comprising:processing and communicating, using a printer system, a formatted imageto a print head for printing the formatted image on the media inproximity to one of the RFID transponders supported by the media;communicating with a transceiver to detect a void one of the RFIDtransponders supported by the media; and communicating via an externalcommunication pathway at least one external signal indicating detectionof the void RFID transponder to the downstream device.
 22. A method ofclaim 21, further comprising continuously advancing the media and RFIDtransponders even when the void RFID transponder is detected.
 23. Amethod of claim 22, further comprising advancing to a next RFIDtransponder supported on the media and re-communicating the formattedimage to the print head in response to detection of the void RFIDtransponder.
 24. A method of claim 23, further comprising determiningand communicating when printing of the formatted image on the media iscompleted and communicating a next formatted image to the print head inresponse to non-detection of the void RFID transponder and completion ofprinting of the formatted image.
 25. A method of claim 24, furthercomprising processing and communicating void indicia to the print headin response to detection of the void RFID transponder.
 26. A method ofclaim 25, further comprising determining and communicating when printingof the void indicia on the media is completed.
 27. A method of claim 26,further comprising maintaining the external void signal throughcommunication of the void indicia to the print head and communication ofwhen printing of the void indicia on the media is completed.
 28. Aprinter controller of claim 1, wherein the external communicationpathway is an unmodified connector originally equipped with the printersystem.
 29. A printer controller of claim 8, wherein the connector is amultiple pin connector.
 30. A printer controller of claim 9, wherein theconnector is a fifteen pin connector.